I seriously hate classes these days.
I get that Homeworld is really fascinated with Earth and how it works and all - and don't get me wrong, I like it too – but continuously talking about it can really bore a gem. Looking around, it's clear I'm not the only one who thinks so. To name a few, right now Lapis is trying her hardest to talk to Peridot, but Peridot actually seems interested in Earth facts. Wow. Then there's the bully of the group, Jasper, being her mean annoying self to Pearl, her newest victim. Pearl however is pretty good at ignoring people, especially when Rose is nearby. Granted, us three are friends and I enjoy their company, but I'm not much of a talker. That's why I'm happy I sit in the back corner. Rose sits next to me with Pearl sitting one row in front of her. Next to Pearl is the newest member of The Crystal Gem Club (named by Rose) Sapphire. I'm not very good at talking to new people, but we've said hi and stuff so I think we're good. Sapphire's an… interesting gem. Usually gems are too afraid to talk to me or just enjoy bullying me, but Sapphire? She'd different. It might be because Pearl and Rose knew her before me but she does try to talk to me and clearly has a good friendship with the other gems. Pearl and Rose seem to be talking about something Sapphire doesn't mind not hearing, as I see her looking at me. I feel panic in my chest and try to think of something to say, but my efforts are in vain as right then the teacher decides to join us.
"Now class, today's lesson will consist of developing our skills further in the hopes of young gems, such as yourselves, are prepared for the descent to Earth. Information is still being gathered on the planet; therefore we will enhance ourselves in order to be prepared for anything!"
Half the class seemed just excited as Miss Emerald was, while the other half – including myself – didn't share her enthusiasm. Earth seemed pretty cool, but it's been a constant topic for a whole week now so it's lost its charm. Rose, Pearl and Sapphire however, can't get enough of it. Rose is the most fascinated with the world, as she's gone to every lesson and even extra lessons to learn all she can about it. Pearl always went with her, but I think that's more to do with Rose than the actual lessons. Sapphire tagged along when she could, but I don't think she went to every one. I know I didn't.
"Continuing on from yesterday's lesson, the remaining gems that have yet to present shape-shifting abilities will be called up. Before I decide to pick anyone, are there any volunteers?"
No thank you. The whole task is stupid. What exactly are the benefits of being able to turn into an animal on earth known as a 'dog'? I feel Rose nudge me a little and I shake my head frantically at her, soon seeing her stand up.
"I'd like to try!"
"Of course Rose. Please, come up to the front and show us!"
Rose makes her way to the front of the class as flawless as ever, her beautiful pink curly locks and dazzling white dress floating around her. She isn't even aware of how beautiful she is, but I know for a fact Pearl does. She twirls round and shines her goofy grin.
"This breed is known as a 'Komondor'. Their fur is incredibly long and they have quite a big size, which is very fitting for me! Here we go!"
It was easy to see the excitement in her eyes as her whole body began to glow as she transform. We were all soon gazing upon a huge and glamorous pink… 'Konomdor'? Or whatever she called it. Rose still held her toothy smile, which was even goofier in dog form.
"Excellent Rose! You have clearly been doing your research. Thank you. You may return to your seat."
Rose's now dog face held a proud smile and a chin up as she pranced back to her seat, changing back to herself once seated.
"That was incredible Rose! You still looked stunning even as a dog!" Pearl says, turning back and holding an equally as proud smile.
"Agreed. That truly was a sight to see." I hear Sapphire say, a soft smile on her lips. All turn to face me, awaiting my praise towards her. They pretty much said what I wanted to, so I instead give her a thumbs up. I see Pearl roll her eyes while Sapphire and Rose both giggle.
"Thank you all. Since I took my turn, you have to go next Ruby!"
"Oh no, no way. I don't want to."
"Why not?" Sapphire asks, a now uncomfortable atmosphere happening around me as all gems are looking at me.
"I… I just… Don't like shape-shifting…"
Rose raises her eyebrow. "But you always talk about how you would like to turn into all kinds of things!"
"Yeah, like to."
"Do you struggle shape-shifting?" I turn to Sapphire, my nerves acting up like crazy. It's not something I would want to admit, especially since each of the gems around me are so good at it.
"Alright class settle down! We still have a few gems left. Who would like to go next?"
"I think Ruby should go next; she was just talking about how much she loves shape-shifting!" Jasper literally shouts so the whole class can hear. Soon, every gem has their eyes on me, making me incredibly nervous. I swear, I hate Jasper with a passion.
"Ruby? Would you like to come up and demonstrate?"
"Uh… I… I didn't pick a breed."
Miss Emerald sighs at me, heading over to her desk and holding up her tablet.
"Attempt this one. I'll give you a couple of seconds to memorise."
I look towards Rose and the others, receiving encouraging smiles and thumbs up, making me smile a little. I take a deep breath and make my way to the front of the class, giving Jasper the best death stare I could muster up. All I get in return is a sinister grin.
"Take your time Ruby, and don't overanalyse." Miss Emerald smiles and hands me the tablet. I give her a nod and focus on the screen. From all Rose has babbled on about, you think I'd know what breed this was, but I'm clueless. After I do the exact opposite of what Miss Emerald had just advised, I place the tablet down on the desk and take a deep breath, closing my eyes and focusing as best as I could. My body begins to glow as I attempt my transformation, but I can't feel it working at all. I try to focus harder but feel my head starting to hurt, making me stop in pain. I place my hand on my head and open my eyes to see everyone looking at me in shock.
"Uh… Ruby-"
"Ha! Looks like we've got a failed mutt right here!"
Jasper bellows out as she points her finger and laughs at me. My hand brushes across something on my head and I grab a better feel, realising something was there. I pick up the tablet and look at y reflection, seeing I had to ears on top of my head. I put it back down in fear and hear everyone joining in the laughter and pointing. I see some are pointing behind me and I look to see I have a tail. Rose, Pearl and Sapphire do their best to quiet everyone down and reassure me, but I feel my heart is racing and I feel tears threaten to fall.
"Shut up! Shut up shut up SHUT UP!"
I don't even care if I made a scene as I run as fast as I can out of the classroom and down the hallways of the school. I knew this whole thing was stupid. I'm stupid. I hate shape-shifting. I hate Jasper. I hate dogs. I just want to get out of here. I burst through the doors and make my way outside, unsure of where I was heading. Anywhere but here is fine with me. I see past my tears and find myself heading towards a tower, launching myself up on the wall and running as fast as I can upwards. Once I reached the top I stopped myself and gained my breath, looking around at the building. There were no windows around and the dips on the roof looked like a great place to hide for a while. I slide myself down and bury my face in my knees, my hands grabbing my head and feeling the ridiculous ears still on my head. I let out a scream as I try to get rid of the stupid ears and stupid tail, but they just wouldn't go. I hate shape-shifting. I hate Jasper. I hate dogs. I hate Earth. Why do we have to learn all this stupid stuff just for only a selected few to actually use? Not everyone's going to Earth! I don't what to go. I'll refuse to go if I get picked. This is all stupid anyway. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
OOOOHHHH DAAAAANG!
Yeah, ended on a pretty sad note huh? Well, I had this AU (if that's what I should call it) in my head for a while and just gonna test the waters. If enough of you like it and want more, I'll be more than happy to comply! ;)
Hope you enjoyed it, thanks for reading and make it a great day!
